Storage Hacks for Small Homes: Simple Ways to Stay Organized.

chris.ha • February 12, 2020

Dump and Donate

We all have those few items that sit in the back of our closets that we just can’t seem to part with. You know what I’m talking about, the retro Members Only jacket you thrifted 3 summers ago and haven’t worn since. Get ride of it! Forgo a Sunday brunch or two and edit your closet. A rule of thumb: if you haven’t worn or used it in a year, take it out and leave it out. Depending on the quality of the item you can decide to donate it or throw it away. If it’s just too good to donate, you might be able to get a pretty penny for it. Take it to a consignment shop and make some extra cash. This method is useful for cutlery, glassware, and that ever-growing collection of coffee mugs. Treat yourself with some extra space!

Kitchen Solutions

Cabinet space is something that we all cherish. We all have those dishes that we use on special occasions, but always seem to take up the space that is needed for our everyday items. by adding wire racks within each cabinet you are able to double the amount of storage space and be able to keep all of your kitchen items organized.

Pantries and refrigerators are always the hardest for me to organize. The best way to keep your pantry items stored neatly is to group your items and put them into bins. Clear bins are recommended and don’t be afraid to use labels. Put the item in order from when you bought them. First in, first out is the best way to keep track of what’s already been opened and things you want to restock. You can make more room by purchasing a wire rack that you can hang on the door for items like spices and sauces.

Managing Bedrooms

The bedroom is one of the main problem areas when it comes to organizing. Whether you’re on your own or sharing a room space in this area is limited. Bins! Bins! Bins! The holy grail of organization! Utilizing bins and baskets is whats going to save your space and allow you to know where everything is. For closets, Use smaller bins for accessories such as hats, scarves, and socks. Use larger bins to store hefty coats, outerwear, and handbags. Look into different styles of shoe racks and pick one that matches the aesthetic of your home. You can find shoe racks anywhere home goods are sold and they can start at as little as $15. Bookshelves are another storage solution if you have room. They’re not just for books either, you can utilize the the cubbie-holes as additional shelving where you can stock folded items to increase the space in your closet and get the maximum use in the installed shelves.

Don’t leave room for the monsters, get flat bins or drawers that you can keep stores under your bed. Here is where you can store and extra blankets and pillows for guests, or you can keep your lounge wear separate from the rest of you garments. Floating shelves are also something to consider because it takes up less space and is easy to acquire and install.

Busy Bathroom Hacks

Don’t be afraid to use other household items in the powder room. It may surprise you how many different features can be used for your toiletries. You can use a wine rack to store rolled hand towels, and a kitchen utensil organizer to sort your toothbrushes, cotton balls and cotton swabs. The use of a decorative basket is always something to fall back on. You can keep clean towels or rolls of toilet paper and still have it look like it’s part of the bathroom and less like a storage solution.

Whether you have a small home, or just a lot stuff, these are some ways you can keep your space functional and organized. Think outside of the box, study your home, and get creative with your storage.

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The Orlando Law Scoop - Big Updates at OLG: New Attorney, Upcoming Events & More!

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Spring Forward with OLG New Bootcamp, Fresh Blogs, and Meet Our New Attorney! As we welcome April, we’re bringing you a fresh batch of updates from The Orlando Law Group! From exciting new opportunities for non-profits to our latest blog posts and the introduction of a new attorney, there’s a lot to catch up on

A No-Nonsense Guide to a Hassle-Free Job Relocation

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Moving for a job is a big deal. It can mean exciting new opportunities, but let’s be real—it’s also a lot to handle. From packing up your life to figuring out your new city, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you're chasing a promotion, switching industries, or just looking for a fresh start, making the transition smooth (and affordable) takes some planning. But don’t stress—there are plenty of ways to make moving for work easier, faster, and way less of a headache. Level Up Your Career With Online Education If you're in a field like nursing, getting an advanced degree can open a lot of doors. An online master’s in nursing, for example, can help you move into leadership roles like administration or education, which often come with better hours and higher pay. The best part? Online MSN degree programs make it easier to juggle work and school since you can study on your own schedule. Plus, you’ll save time and money by skipping the commute. Investing in your education isn’t just about earning more—it puts you in a position to make a bigger impact in your field. Make House Hunting Easier With Local Real Estate Pros Finding a place to live in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance your budget, commute, and lifestyle all at once. Want to make things easier on yourself? Get yourself a real estate agent who actually knows the area. They’ll point you toward the right neighborhoods, keep you from making expensive mistakes, and take a ton of stress off your plate. Sure, you could spend hours lost in online listings and market trends, but why make it harder than it needs to be? Let someone who does this every day (like Brown Home Group ) handle the tricky stuff so you can focus on the move itself. Keep Your Important Stuff Safe While Moving Packing up and moving is already chaotic enough—you don’t want to add losing important documents or valuables to the mix. Keep things like passports, birth certificates, and financial documents in a separate bag that stays with you at all times. If you want extra protection, a fireproof or theft-proof bag can help keep everything secure. Having all your essentials in one place means you won’t be scrambling to find them when you need them. Understand How Taxes Affect Employer-Paid Moving Expenses If your employer is covering your moving costs, don’t assume it’s all free money. Right now, employer-paid moving expenses are considered taxable income, which means you’ll owe taxes on them. But keep an eye on tax law changes—by 2026, moving expenses might become tax-deductible again. Either way, save your receipts and keep track of everything. It’s better to be prepared than surprised when tax season rolls around. If you're unsure about what applies to you, checking IRS resources or talking to a tax professional can help clear things up. Find a Job Faster by Understanding the Local Market Even if you’re moving for a specific job, understanding the job market in your new city can help you plan for the future. Some industries, like healthcare and tech, are growing in certain areas, while others may be more competitive. Checking out local job boards or resources can give you a sense of what to expect . Knowing which industries are booming and what skills are in demand can also help you negotiate better pay or prepare for future career moves. Meet New People by Getting Involved in Hobbies Moving to a new city can feel lonely at first, but getting involved in local activities is one of the best ways to meet people. Whether it’s joining a hiking group, attending a book club, or signing up for a class, shared hobbies can lead to great personal and professional connections . If you’re in a field like tech or design, events like hackathons or art meetups can even open up new job opportunities. Making connections through hobbies isn’t just fun—it can also help you feel more at home in your new city. Stay Organized With a Moving Timeline A solid game plan can make your move way less chaotic. Creating a timeline for everything —from giving notice at your current job to setting up utilities in your new place—keeps you on track. Breaking things down into small, manageable tasks makes everything feel less overwhelming. Sharing your plan with your employer, family, or anyone else involved helps avoid last-minute surprises. And don’t forget to book movers or rental trucks early to get the best rates! Moving for work can be a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a total headache. With a little planning, some local know-how, and a flexible mindset, you can make the whole thing way easier. Stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be unpacked, finding your new favorite coffee spot, and settling into your next adventure! Discover the key to your real estate dreams with Brown Home Group —your trusted partner in buying, selling, or investing in Central Florida’s vibrant market!

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By Rick Brown • January 15, 2025

Start the New Year with Confidence: Your Essential Legal and Financial Checklist for the New Year As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reassess our goals and ensure our affairs are in order. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s future, streamline your business, or simply get a fresh start, our New Year Reset Checklist is here to guide you. From updating your estate plan to revisiting your insurance coverage, these straightforward tips will help you begin the year with clarity and confidence. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! N ew Year Reset Checklist Review or Update Your Estate Plan Confirm wills, trusts, and healthcare directives are up to date. Make sure beneficiaries and key contacts still reflect your current wishes. Verify Insurance Coverage Check life, home, auto, or business policies for accuracy and adequate coverage. Add new, high-value items (like holiday gifts) to your policy. Organize Important Documents Safely store originals (wills, titles, deeds) in a secure location. Keep digital backups in an encrypted folder or password manager. Assess Your Finances Review your budget and set savings goals for the year. Check beneficiary designations on bank, retirement, and investment accounts. Consider Charitable or Non-Profit Involvement Think about attending our Non-Profit Bootcamp if you’re interested in establishing or growing a charitable organization. Explore tax benefits and community impact of giving back. Plan for Business Updates (if applicable) Ensure business licenses, permits, and corporate documents are current. Schedule time to review or revise your operating agreements. Schedule Professional Consultations Estate Planning Attorney: Secure or update your plan. Financial Advisor: Review investment strategies, retirement, and tax planning. CPA or Tax Professional: Get organized ahead of tax deadlines. Starting the year off with a clear plan sets you on the right path—less stress, fewer surprises, and more peace of mind. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. Call 407-565-HELP to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Make 2025 the Year You Secure Your Legacy Planning for the future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In our latest YouTube video series, Attorney Erika De Jesus breaks down the basics of estate planning—from wills to trusts. If you’ve been putting off this vital task, now’s the perfect time to learn how to safeguard your loved ones and secure your legacy.